Weapons Archives - Daily Shooting | Shooting Tips And Reviews

What Does Grain Mean in Ammo and What Grain Should I Be Using?

For many firearms users, this question can be a little confusing. Grain isn’t exactly commonly used anymore. So, in this article, we will clear up some of the confusion about what exactly a grain is, and then make some recommendations about what grain is best to shoot.

Continue reading to learn more about grains in ammo.

Grain – The Basics

A grain is a unit of measurement for mass. It is an extremely small unit. In fact, 1 ounce is equal to 437.5 grains, just to give you an idea of how small it is.

For another comparison, 1 gram is equal to 15.43 grains. Since 1 gram is approximately a paper clip, I’m sure this gives you an idea of how small a grain is.

Many people think that grain refers to something with the gunpowder or propellant used. However, it really has nothing to do with that. In ammunition, grains are used to say how large the projectile of the cartridge is.

So, when ammunition says it is 55 grain FMJ, it means that the actual bullet that will fly downrange weighs 55 grains.

Choosing the Right Grain

Now that you know exactly what a grain is, and what it refers to in ammunition, let’s talk a little about how to choose which bullet size you will shoot.

Each caliber of ammunition generally has quite a few different choices for grain size. This number is only increased if you are handloading your own ammunition.

Before making a decision, it’s important to know about all of the options available in the caliber you are thinking about.

When you’re trying to decide the size of the ammunition, there’s a couple things to keep in mind. First of all, what exactly are you shooting for?

If you’re hunting, you want a different round than if you are just shooting at the range.

Recommended Read: 4 Things You Need to Know When Buying a Used Gun

Hunting/Defense

For hunting and any kind of defense shooting, a larger grain is generally better. Larger grain, heavier bullets, generally perform better inside a target. However, there’s a lot more to consider.

For example, jacketed hollow point ammunition performs extremely well inside of a live target, while full metal jacket ammunition will not do as well.

If the choice is between heavier full metal jacket and lighter jacketed hollow point, I would go with jacketed hollow point every time. It expands on impact, and damages more tissue.

However, if there are multiple grains of jacketed hollow point ammunition, heavier is generally a little better. Just to caveat that, it’s not a set in stone rule. Your best bet is to try and find some ballistics testing or gelatin testing that others have done to see which performs better.

Precision Shooting

If you’re doing any type of competition or long range accuracy shooting, the exact projectiles can play a huge factor in the accuracy of the weapon. Most people choose match grade ammunition, but there are a couple things to keep in mind.

First, the shape of the bullet plays equally as important of a role. Aerodynamics are extremely important, especially over distance.

Next, there are some weapons that just don’t shoot some ammunition well. For whatever reason, some weapons seem to prefer some types of ammunition. The only way that you’ll know this is by testing and shooting multiple types of ammo.

Range Shooting

If you are just plinking at the range, your bullet weight really doesn’t matter. If you’re going to be using the weapon for anything other than range shooting at other points in time, we recommend putting some of your actual choice of ammunition through the weapon, just to make sure it handles the ammunition well.

Conclusion

Now that you understand what grain means in ammunition, you will hopefully be able to make some better choices with what ammunition you are shooting. Unfortunately, there isn’t one exact answer since most calibers have so many different choices, but we have given you some recommendations to consider.

Essentially, just make sure you test out different kinds of ammo, and see which one offers the best performance for your use for your weapon.

What is the Legal Barrel Length for an AR-15

If you are trying to build an AR-15 and avoid having to go through the process of getting an ATF-approved tax stamp, you’re going to need to know the legal barrel length for your weapon.

In the military, M4 barrels are 14.5 inches long. This was a vast reduction in size and weight compared to the 20-inch barrel of the M16.

However, what barrel length is legal in the civilian world?

The Simple Answer for the Legal Barrel Length for an AR-15

Putting it as simple as possible, the answer to this question is 16 inches. However, as with many things in the firearms world, there are some workarounds to this.

Muzzle Device

The first workaround is a permanently attached muzzle device, such as a flash suppressor.

In this situation, you are able to buy a 14.5-inch barrel and a specific muzzle device and have a gunsmith pin-and-weld the muzzle device to the barrel.

In most of these flash suppressors, it will be specifically stated that you are able to have it pinned and welded, so be sure to check if it’s possible before buying the muzzle device.

Essentially, pinning and welding the muzzle device makes it permanent, which in turn makes it part of the barrel. For that reason, you are able to count the extra length of the flash suppressor as part of your barrel length.

Keep in mind that this will come at an added cost, since you’ll have to purchase the muzzle device and also pay to have it welded on for you.

AR-frame Pistol

Black Pistol with High Capacity magazine full shot — With High Capacity Magazine Full Shot

The 16-inch barrel length only applies to rifles, NOT pistols.

You are able to build an AR pistol in various pistol and rifle calibers, which would eliminate the need for the 16-inch barrel. If it is technically a pistol, the barrel can be much shorter.

However, when building an AR pistol, there are a few laws that you need to keep in mind. Since that isn’t the point of this article, we won’t go too much into them. It basically boils down to the buttstock of the weapon, and there are some specific design features that must be accounted for. Make sure you know your laws if you take this route!

Get the Tax Stamp

Lastly, if you want a shorter barrel, you can always just get the tax stamp from the ATF. Once your weapon is classified as a short-barreled rifle (often called SBR), the length of the barrel won’t be a problem.

This is a somewhat length and time-consuming process, but it is the only way to legally have an AR-15 rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches. Related that, if you are intending to buy a scope for your ar 15, you should choose Nikon or Vortex, it’s my favorite.

Looking for AR-15 parts? Check out these from Brownell’s

We found a collection of great AR-15 parts and accessories that may interest you, check them out:

Conclusion

To make a long story short, the answer to the question is 16 inches. Your AR-15 barrel must be at least 16 inches in length to be considered legal by the ATF. Anything shorter than that, and you will have to get an SBR tax stamp from them.

However, as we mentioned in this article, there are a couple of workarounds you could pursue to avoid having to get the tax stamp. But, like with anything, make sure you know the laws about what you are doing.

Sig P320 Review [2020]

The SIG Sauer is a handgun originally designed with military use in mind. Given its popularity among law enforcement and the general public, we wanted to undertake a SIG P320 review to see what the weapon is really all about.

Our SIG P320 review takes a look at the popular handgun’s modular design that lets you change the caliber and size of the gun to meet your individual needs. This gun is large enough for home defense while being small enough for many individuals to conceal and carry.

We also looked at some of its features, such as the three-point take-down safety system that keeps the piston from breaking down when a magazine is still inserted or if the slide is locked to the rear.

This SIG P320 review will demonstrate that this is a customizable pistol that meets a variety of needs; but how does it compare to similar competitors?

What Is the SIG P320?

The SIG Sauer P320 pistol is used by government agencies as well as sportsmen for its efficiency, adaptability and customization. The SIG Sauer P320 comes in four different sizes: Full Size, Carry, Compact and Sub Compact. For our SIG P320 review, we looked at the full-size and compact model, each chambered for 9mm cartridges. The models also come in .40 and .45 as well.

The SIG Sauer P320 is a striker-fired pistol with a polymer frame. The polymer is fiberglass-reinforced, and the full-size SIG offers a sturdy rail for accessories. The SIG system has a barrel and chamber titled downward from the slide at the time the gun is fired. The striker is cocked every time you rack the slide. The full-size SIG comes with 17-round magazines, while the compact offers 15 rounds.

Recommended Read: 4 Things You Need to Know When Buying a Used Gun

Grip and Feel

SIG’s grip options come in a variety of sizes and switching grips in the SIG P320 review was easy to do. Changing the caliber is also user-friendly with the SIG P320, as the pistol offers guaranteed modularity.

Textured panels are round on each side of the handle as well as the frontstrap and backstrap. The magazine release is reversible for right- and left-handers. All the SIG’s features are ambidextrous. The trigger guard features an upward curve with a deep undercut for a high, comfortable grip. This also helps control recoil.

Recommended Read: How Often Should I Clean My Gun?

Durability and Performance

The slide is made of a high-grade stainless steel with bevels that run the length of the unit, and it features slide serrations on the front and rear. The slide has a Nitron finish to defend against corrosion. The Nitron finish involves heat treating the steel with a chemical bath in order to create a very hard oxidized surface.

A sturdy three-dot sight system sits atop the slide. Windage can be adjusted by drifting the dovetail sights. Both models of the SIG Sauer P320 consistently scored well on accuracy in a range of weather conditions. Recoil is minimal in both models, and the iron sights useful to most shooters.

Product Specs

Depending on the size of your SIG Sauer P320, the striker-fired autoloader has a magazine capacity of 12 to 17 rounds.

The length of the gun ranges from 6.67 inches to 8.05 inches. The barrel length runs from 3.55 inches to 4.7 inches, and the gun’s height range is 4.29 inches to 5.51 inches with a maximum width of 1.38 inches.

Unloaded, the SIG Sauer P320 weighs from 24.9 to 27.6 ounces. The trigger pull weight tests at about 6.88 pounds. Safety features in the SIG P320 review included an integrated trigger safety and automatic firing pin block.

Pricing

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the SIG Sauer P320, depending on the model, ranges from $597 to $679. During our SIG P320 review, we found a number of SIGs for sale around $530, and one listed near $500.

Prices of similar competitors ranged from around $450 to near $630.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.

Glock 19 Gen5
HK VP9
Ruger SR 9

Sig P320

Price $$

Ease of Use [***]

The SIG Sauer P320 is comfortable in the hand with grip panels that feel like non-slip floor tape. Serrations in the slide help with gripping and pulling, but it can still be difficult for weaker shooters to pull. During SIG P320 reviews, sweaty hands also caused problems despite the serrations.

The magazine floor plate is actually a piece of the grip. Some shooters with bigger hands accidentally prevent the magazine from dropping while gripping the gun.

When using the weapon, the SIG Sauer P320 handles very well.

Design Quality [****]

The SIG Sauer P320 modular design lets you customize your gun. The handguns made in 9mm, .357 SIG, and .40 S&W calibers can be converted from one to another using a caliber exchange kit. Some switches require only a barrel change.

SIG Sauer P320 features a lightweight polymer frame with interchangeable grips. It uses contrast sights for accuracy. The front and rear sights are fixed.

Warranty [****]

The SIG Sauer comes with a limited lifetime warranty covering defects in material, workmanship and mechanical function.

Pros

Consistent trigger
Customizable
Good warranty

Cons

Expensive magazines
Slide pull can be difficult

Glock 19 Gen5

Glock is a heralded name in the firearm industry, and the Glock 19 was already one of the best handguns on the market before the Gen 5 updates. For starters, the finger grooves were removed, making the grip a better fit for a larger number of people.

The G19 Gen 5 slide is ambidextrous. The slide-release lever is more pronounced and offers a smooth release. The finish on the barrel and slide is durable, but in extreme conditions or with sweaty hands it can be slippery. A Marksman barrel offers a recessed crown, and they have eliminated the polygonal rifling.

Price $$

Ease of Use [****]

The Glock 26 Gen 5 utilizes a dual recoil spring to absorb recoil. It features a 10-round magazine capacity.

An ambidextrous slide stop lever allows users to manipulate the slide as right- or left-handers. Further personalization is available in the customizable frame size. The Gen 5 comes with backstraps in two sizes, with and without beavertail. The customizable frame allows users to adjust the circumference of the grip for individual hand size.

A safe-action system features three safeties that disengage as the trigger is pulled and automatically reengage the trigger after release. A loaded chamber indicator assures the user the chamber is empty.

Design Quality [****]

At least 20 changes improve the Glock19 Gen 5 over predecessors. Among these changes are the elimination of finger grooves, a glared mag well, ambidextrous slide stop, and a Glock marksman barrel.

The overall length of the Glock 19 is 7.28 inches including a 4.02-inch barrel. Trigger pull weight ranges from five to 6.5 pounds. With an empty magazine, the gun weighs about 24 ounces. It has a width of 1.34 inches.

Warranty [**]

Glock handguns have a one-year warranty, but Glock consistently services their guns beyond one year.

Pros

Improved trigger from the Gen 5
Internals from Gen 4 can be used in Gen 5
Marksman barrel
Good accuracy for a small gun

Cons

Addition of the ambidextrous slide release may not work with your previous holster

HK VP9

The Heckler and Koch VP9 features a unique striker-firing system and light-pull trigger. It offers some of the best trigger quality available for striker-fired handguns. The trigger has a short, light pull with a crisp, single-action break and a clear reset.

The Heckler and Koch hammer-forged barrel of canon-grade steel ensure long life.

Price $$

Ease of Use [***]

An extended Picatinny rail is molded into the frame allowing users to add lights or other accessories they need.

A proprietary captive flat recoil spring efficiently reduces recoil when shooting and helps the shooter better control the gun. It also helps enable more rapid fire. The polygonal bore has no grooves or similar features.

The most user-friendly feature of the VP9 is the custom striker-fired system and top-of-the-line trigger.

Design Quality [****]

An ergonomic hand grip features three changeable backstraps and six side panels sure to service all hand sizes. The front of the grip has finger grooves. All VP9 controls are ambidextrous with slide releases on each side of the gun. The magazine release is placed for right- or left-handed access.

The rear slide has components on each side to offer better grip and leverage for racking the slide. They also serve shooters with less hand strength. Ten and 15-round magazines are available. A rail can support accessories up to five-and-a-half ounces.

The gun is 7.34-inches long and 5.41-inches tall. Its width measures 1.32 inches. The barrel is 4.09 inches with a sight radius of 6.38 inches. The trigger pull weight is 5.4 pounds. With an empty magazine the gun weighs 25.56 ounces.

Warranty [***]

Heckler and Koch offers a limited one-year warranty.

Pros

Customized grip system
Top-notch trigger
Ambidextrous options
Unique striker-fire mechanics

Cons

Some do not like the paddle-style magazine release
Some do not like the unique gripping

Ruger SR 9

The Ruger SR9c is a compact pistol with a 1.27-inch-width grip; the same as its full-sized counterpart, the SR9. It includes a 10-round magazine, a finger grip extension, and an extra 17-round magazine.

The pistol has is a 3.5-inch barrel with noticeable three-dot sights. The slide is serrated for a better grip and an easy way to check the chamber. Other safety features include an ambidextrous manual safety, internal trigger bar, striker blocker, and loaded chamber indicator.

Price $

Ease of Use [***]

The SR9c handles nicely for a small gun with very little recoil. The gun gives the shooter 9mm power with very little effort on the shooter’s end. Shooters do experience a bit of muzzle climb, but it is subtle. Short distance accuracy is attainable without the need for extra optics. The gun is point-and-shoot-ready from the box, and it assembles and disassembles easily.

Design Quality [***]

With a thick grip and double-stack magazine, the firearm has been used by law enforcement and is popular among concealed carry options for the public.

The 9mm pistol has a polymer stock with a Nitride finish accomplished by heating in the presence of ammonia or other nitrogenous material to increase durability and corrosion resistance.

The gun has on overall length of 6.85 inches with a 3.5-inch barrel. The gun’s width is 1.27 inches, and it measures 4.61 inches in height. The overall weight of the gun is 23.4 ounces. It includes two 17-round removable magazines. All the gun’s sights are fixed within a three-dot scheme.

Warranty [**]

This gun comes with a one-year warranty for the original owner.

Pros

Sights are easy to use and do not snag on clothes or holster
Loaded chamber indicator
Nitride finish
Minimal recoil

Cons

The grips are sticky enough to catch debris
Some users report difficulty racking the slide

Conclusion: SIG P320 Review

After completing our SIG P320 review, we confidently give the SIG Sauer P320 four stars. Its incredible adaptability and customization are as good as any in the business, from calibers to sizes to grips.

A shooter never again has to worry about the width or circumference of grip with SIG’s interchangeable modules. Convertible calibers include 9mm, .357 SIG, or .40 S&W. Even the pistol sizes range for your preference from full-size all the way to subcompact.

This SIG P320 review also alerted us to the accessory rail. This is one of the most stable systems we have seen and great for lights, lasers and other needs.

Also, it should not go unnoticed that SIG went out of its way to put safety first. The Striker safety does not allow the pistol to release until the shooter pulls the trigger. SIG worked hard to make a great pistol, and they have succeeded.

What’s the Best Survival Knife? Top 10 Revealed

From hunters to parents building a family emergency kit, to extreme sports participants, it is important to have a good survival knife. But among the many choices, what is the best survival knife for your needs?

We attempted to review a list of the best survival knives to help you see the types and options available for your consideration. From blades choices to special features, we believe there is a survival knife for every individual.

Quick Navigation

ESEE Knives 6P Fixed Blade Knife

SOG Force Fixed Blade

Fallkniven A1 Fine Edge Fixed Blade Knife

Schrade SCHF9N Fixed Blade

Spyderco Bushcraft G-10 PlainEdge Knife

KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife

The Verdict on the Best Survival Knife

[amazon box=”B07HWBWPL3,B00BT49UVG,B0049TYBL2,B004WN5CT0,B001DZM482,B000E3QUB6,B00HOMJZJY,B004GVT2Z8,B001H53Q6M,B00AU6H3UY” template=”table”]

Product FAQ

1. What Are the Main Uses for a Survival Knife?

2. What Are the Basic Types of Survival Knives?

3. Are Survival Knives Safe?

4. What Does Tang Mean?

How We Reviewed

Image source: pexels

In searching for the best survival knife, we reviewed a wide variety products based on features, price, and availability. We also took a close look at things like blades, durability, performance, safety, and portability.

To find the best survival knife, an outdoorsman needs to understand his specific needs as a hunter or other outdoor enthusiast to find the knife that is best for him or her as an individual. We began with the blades and attempted to look at some crucial aspects of the best survival knife.

Fixed Blades

Some knives have blades built as one piece, and the blade is always open. It protrudes from a handle and is always exposed. These knives use a sheath to keep the blade from being unsafe or causing an accident when not in use.

An advantage of fixed blades is their strength. with no moving parts or hinges that need locked, it is a strong survival knife option.

Another advantage is that fixed blades are always ready for use on quick notice, but they take up more space than folding blades.

Folding Blades

Survival knives with folding blades are considered a safe option and are easily portable. The blade folds to be stored in the knife's handle.

When opened, the blade is held in its outright position by a locking mechanism to prevent it from folding during use and harming the hunter. However, the locking mechanism is less sturdy than its fixed blade counterpart.

Clip Knives

A clip knife is essentially a folding blade knife with an attached clip to be fastened to the inside of a pocket or other convenient location. Clip knives offer a convenience of easy portability. Their compact nature is useful for general jobs, however, they often lack the sturdiness for bigger jobs.

Aside from whether knife blades are fixed or folding, there are different types of blades to choose from.

Drop Point

Drop point blades are the most recognizable blades. They have a slow convex curved drop in the point to make the point of the knife strong. This is helpful when opening the rib cage or similar area on your prey.

These blades also have a number of general uses and can be effective for skinning animals.

Clip Point

Knives with clip point blades are perfect for hunters looking to use their knife on a daily basis for things other than hunting. A clip point resembles a drop point, but the point is thinner and easier to more detailed tasks–though it would be less effective at opening a ribcage.

It can still accomplish most necessary tasks while hunting, but it is less efficient at certain tasks than the drop point blade.

Trailing Point

A trailing point blade also has similarities to the clip point and drop point. The back edge of the trailing point blade trails upward for a larger curve on the cutting side. It is also usually stronger than the clip blade

Many hunters love trailing point blades for slicing meat.

Gut Hook

Featuring a hook design on the top side of the blade, a gut hook blade is useful to open the prey's abdominal cavity when you remove the innards.

Serrated Blades

Serrated blades have small teeth while plain blades do not. Most folks understand the difference between the two from common sets of kitchen knives.

However, serrated blades have recently become more popular among survival knives. They act like a saw to cut through difficult areas of the animal. They are useful for cutting hide and other stubborn areas.

They do not allow the same precision and finesse as traditional blades, however, and many hunters feel they afford less control. Straight blades are also better for skinning the animal.

Blade Size

Blade size is often a matter of personal preference, though at some point they become too long to use precisely or too short to exercise a safe grip during hard jobs. A general rule is to avoid blades longer than six inches or shorter than three inches.

Skinning Knives

Skinning knives often use trailing point blades or similar sweeping blades able to peel the skin from the meet of your prey. They are able to perform other general uses and can be used to field dress large kills.

Caping Knives

Caping knives are a must for hunters lucky enough to land a trophy prize. They are able to quickly and accurately cut the skin around the shoulders with an upturned point.

Caping is the process of skinning the head and neck of an animal to create a hunting trophy. Caping knives are designed to cut the skin away from the shoulder, neck, and chest to preserve the trophy portion of the animal.

Image source: unsplash

Blade Materials

There are many different materials used to make knife blades, and each offers its own degree of durability. Some rust or corrode sooner than others. Some can withstand drops and impacts without shattering as soon as others.

The most common blade material today is alloyed stainless steel. Stainless steel is efficient at resisting corrosion, but it does not hold its edge as long as other materials. Carbon steels keep a sharp, defined edge for a long period, but they often rust.

Alloyed stainless steels can be engineered to combine the best of both. Another option is to coat your carbon steel blade with products to prevent rust. This is accomplished by cleaning the blade thoroughly, allowing dry time, and then applying the product.

Rust preventative products are usually a silicone wax. If the wax is effective, you have a sharp survival knife not prone to rust.

Performance Points

To have a knife that performs the best way possible, hunters need to understand their individual needs. A skinning knife will not perform as well in projects that really require a gutting knife, etc.

Overall performance of the best survival knife will include its ability to bone, skin, and cap meet. For survival or sport, you need to be able to properly prepare your meet in order to eat it the right way.

The blade needs to be sharp enough to cut in a way that can skin the animal without spoiling the meat. The shape and curve of the blade factor into the equation for each hunter.

Sometimes the best survival knife is small and performs better than larger knives by getting the work done simply and efficiently. They are also more compact than some unwieldy knives that are hard to perform precision food preparation.

Durability

Survival knives need to last, especially if you are investing more than a small amount of money. That is why it is important to understand the type of steel your knife blade utilizes and be sure to prepare it accordingly.

The durability of many good knives is directly related to the care a hunter takes of it. It is also important to be sure you purchase a knife that can withstand the outdoor elements. Moisture and extreme temperatures can do a lot of damage to a survival knife resulting in rust or lose its edge.

Safety

Safety is another element of survival knives that is often related directly to the actions of its owner. If you are diligent to keep your blade clean, do not compromise safety by cleaning it in a way that is not careful.

It takes a lot of courage to kill an animal with a knife, but that courage has to be complemented with safety.

Holsters

It is important to have a holster for your knife, especially longer fixed-blade knives. Do not rely on keeping a knife in your pocket or hanging it from your belt. You are not John Rambo.

It is a practical idea to combine your knife and holster into one investment and purchase them simultaneously. Holsters make your adventure safer for you and those you are with.

Be Careful What You Cut

Survival knives can motivate you to cut the strangest things, from leather to tin cans. You may even see commercials where knives are shown to cut through shoes or other bizarre items.

It is important to use your knife for hunting and survival instead of recreational cutting. Not only will you dull your knife prematurely, but you will also jeopardize safety. One slip of the knife while trying to cut a pop can and you can be badly lacerated by the blade or even the freshly cut can.

Sharpen Carefully

When it is time to sharpen your survival knife, be sure to do it carefully. A knife intended to plunge through the rib cage of a large animal can surely do damage to your hands, fingers, and other body parts.

Sharpen your knife slowly and with the utmost attention to detail. On the other hand, your knife provides safety, because not only is useful in hunting, it can also be useful in protecting yourself.

So, it is wise to keep your blade very sharp, but do it wisely.

Handles

Sharpen your knife slowly and with the utmost attention to detail. On the other hand, your knife provides safety, because not only is useful in hunting, it can also be useful in protecting yourself.

So, it is wise to keep your blade very sharp, but do it wisely.

Handles are a very important factor that affects the use of your blade. You need a handle that is comfortable to use and gives you a secure grip that makes you feel confident.

Get comfortable with the contours and surface of your knife. To some degree, it is a matter of preference, but a secure grip and the best contours can add to the knife's efficiency as well as its safety.

Overall Price Range

Image source: pixabay

In searching for the best survival knife, we looked at knives ranging from under $50 to over $300. Variables included the materials used to fabricate the knives, their overall durability, and a few that offered lifetime warranties.

If you know the sort of material you want for your blade or handle, that can go a long way in determining the sort of budget you set for yourself. Also consider how often you will use your survival knife and the sort of tasks you plan to use it for.

If you get a good idea of your needs and amount of wear you plan to put on the knife, you can get a reasonable idea of what you want to spend.

What We Reviewed

Tom Brown Tracker #3
Ka-Bar BK-22 Becker Companion Fixed Blade Knife
ESEE Knives 6P Fixed Blade Knife
SOG Force Fixed Blade
Fallkniven A1 Fine Edge Fixed Blade Knife
Gerber LMF II Survival Knife
Schrade SCHF9N Fixed Blade
Spyderco Bushcraft G-10 PlainEdge Knife
KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife
Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife

Tom Brown Tracker #3

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Features

Tops' Tom Brown Tracker is a popular blade has been a favorite of outdoorsmen for many years. It is a multi-tool that was featured in the movie, The Hunted.

This Tom Brown Tracker #3 is the next, slightly larger knife in the series beyond the Tom Brown Tracker #2. The Tracker #1 is still the largest of the line.

The Tracker #3 is ideal for chopping, skinning, carving, gutting, scoring, and other cutting needs. The handle is made of black canvas Micarta.

Blade

The Tom Brown Tracker 3 is a 10.75-inch knife, with a blade that consumes 5.75 inches of the weapon. The cutting edge runs 5.5 inches with a blade thickness of 0.190 inches.

The blade is steel RC58-60 and is cryo treated with a tumble finish.

Durability

With many high carbon alloys, the Tracker 3 blade offers strong durability while maintaining a sharpness that is also very impressive.

Performance

Owners have consistently cut through rope, meat, branches, and even rubber. Throughout the processes, the blade remains relatively sharp.

Safety

As a fixed-blade knife, the Tom Brown Tracker 3 comes with a Kydex style sheath for safety. The only thing lacking on a very stylish sheath is a mechanism to keep the blade inside. If jostled, the knife is able to come freely from the sheath.

Portability

Under 11 inches long, the knife weighs in at under 14 ounces, and just over 18 ounces with the sheath. The sheath has a rotating spring steel clip that is useful for portability, just be sure the knife stays in the sheath.

Ka-Bar BK-22 Becker Companion Fixed Blade Knife

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Features

The Ka-Bar Becker BK22 Companion knife is a lightweight knife featuring a Cro-Van steel blade that is sharp and durable. The handle is very comfortable and made of Grivory material, a Polyphthalamide synthetic resin relevant to nylon.

The knife's blade and tongue are well balanced; the tongue is large and bolted to the handle.

The butt of the blade is also large and very effective. It comes with a durable sheath.

Blade

The drop point blade on this Ka Bar Becker product has a 20-degree edge angle. The blade is 1095 Cro-Van steel, a high carbon steel used in heavy duty tools.

The blade is a quarter-inch thick for stability. It is a sharp and heavy blade and is covered with a powder coating to protect it.

Durability

Like all carbon steels, Cro-Van steel is prone to rust if not treated. However, it is a strong steel. The Grivory handle is made of a heavy-duty polymer durable throughout heavy use. Ka-bar Becker stands by the product with a Limited lifetime warranty

Performance

The Cro-Van blade keeps its edge after extended cutting and wood chopping. The knife isn't light, but if you do not mind a slightly heavier product for chopping and cutting, it is incredibly efficient.

For delicate jobs, the BK22 can fit the bill at a slow pace with great precision, but its wheelhouse is the big, less precise job like chopping wood.

Safety

Ka-Bar's sheath is well made and offers suitable protection on this fixed-blade knife. It has strong clips to secure the knife and keep it tightly on your belt.

The sheath also has a Velcro belt strap and a handy compartment.

Portability

The sheath clips also lend themselves to portability. This knife is 10.5 inches long, so when securely fastened to its owner, it is easily portable. The knife weights in at 1.5 pounds complete with a sheath.

ESEE Knives 6P Fixed Blade Knife

[amazon box=”B0049TYBL2″]

Features

The knife's blade and tongue are well balanced; the tongue is large and bolted to the handle.

The butt of the blade is also large and very effective. It comes with a durable sheath.

Features

This 11.75-inch knife with a 6.5-inch blade is made of 1095 steel. It features a stylish gray Micarta handle in a molded polymer sheath.

Blade

The blade on this knife is 1.56 inches long. It is small but very sharp, and it holds its edge for a long time. A backer provides even more security, and the blade does not come out of the sheath unintentionally.

The blade is manufactured with 1095 high carbon steel. The carbon steel is razor sharp and keeps its edge, but it rusts easily. Owners must lubricate and wax the blade as needed.

It comes with textured coating from the factory to resist corrosion and wear. Even with the coating, the blade maintains a smooth feel unlike blades coated in phosphate or oxide coatings.

Durability

When properly cared for, the 1095 steel is durable and long-lasting. A great feature noting the product's quality construction is its transferable warranty. No matter how often the knife is sold or gifted, the warranty remains valid.

No receipt is needed, and they will either fix or replace the knife. However, the warranty does not cover rust and corrosion.

Performance

The 3/16-inch 1095 steel blade is full flat ground. This knife can perform as a primary survival knife or as a tactical weapon.

If you are confident and efficient with a smaller knife, this is definitely a survival knife to consider.

Safety

Offering a black polymer sheath, the ESEE 6P-B Plain Edge Knife comes with durable protection. The sheath also is ambidextrous, meaning it can be used a right or left-handed person.

A friction-resistant mechanism keeps the knife securely in its sheath, and the sheath screws are stainless steel.

Portability

The sheath comes with a removable for your carrying convenience. The knife, at just under 12 inches, also features a lanyard hole on the rounded pommel. The belt clip is the most convenient way to get maximum portability, but the cord option is also a favorite of many owners.

SOG Force Fixed Blade

[amazon box=”B004WN5CT0″]

Features

The knife's blade and tongue are well balanced; the tongue is large and bolted to the handle.

The butt of the blade is also large and very effective. It comes with a durable sheath.

Features

The SOG Force fixed knife comes with a Ti-Ni coating on the blade and a pointed pommel. The grip features good checkering on both side and finger notches on the bottom.

It is a slip-resistant weapon with a six-inch AUS-8 steel blade.

Blade

The blade is marked as a clip point blade, but some argue it is more of a drop point. It has a false edge that is very minimal. It is hollow ground for improved sharpness, but that may wear on its durability over time.

The blade is coated with a smooth coating that has no impact on slicing but does provide rust protection. The AUS-8 steel is not overly prone to rust, however, and the coating also serves to keep the sun from reflecting off the blade, reminding us of its military heritage.

Durability

AUS-8 steel is a commonly used mid-range stainless steel. It has good corrosion resistance and has a very good edge. The knife is well built and durable.

There is always a question of durability with a hollow-grind knife. You are essentially removing metal at the cutting edge, and to a lesser extent the spine.

Performance

For a six-inch blade at a quarter-inch thick, users find the SOG Force to be a surprisingly nimble knife. The product is also easy to hold.

The lightweight handle is a bit narrower than the blade, and the blade has a reduced mass because of the hollow grind. When you put them together, it is a nimble knife that keeps its edge well for a knife that is not carbon steel.

Safety

The SOG Force comes with a nylon/polyester sheath. Some users find it a bit difficult to secure the knife, but the stiffened nylon is better than some competitors.

The blade guard is durable and offers a friction fit. It has a small pouch on the front.

Portability

A wide lanyard hole is available. A belt loop is provided as well as Molle straps and connectors. Two eyelets provide additional lashing options. The knife is 11.25-inches long.

Fallkniven A1 Fine Edge Fixed Blade Knife

Features

The knife's blade and tongue are well balanced; the tongue is large and bolted to the handle.

The butt of the blade is also large and very effective. It comes with a durable sheath.

Features

The Fallkniven A1 offers top-of-the-line design, ergonomics, and value. The knife exceeds international standards for its strength and value for money.
The Fallkniven A1 is a large, multiple-purpose knife capable of heavy-duty use.

Blade

Another reflection-free blade, the black CeraKote coating is a surface coating that protects the blade from rust and with a combination of Teflon and ceramics in a military-style combination.

This coating is applied much like paint is applied to a metal car, meaning that in time it can be scratched through, exposing the metal. The more durable the coating becomes to resist scratches the harder it may be to sharpen.

At just over 6 ¼ inches, the blade is made of a quality VG10 steel. This is a particular type of stainless steel, and the G stands for “gold”, implying it is the “gold standard” that this level of stainless steel.

Durability

A full tang goes entirely through the knife handle to keep the grip from breaking on any hard strike. The handle is made of a durable Kraton, a high-performance elastomer.

The blade and handle are unaffected by water or extreme temperatures.

Performance

This all-purpose knife is large and meant for big jobs. It combines a powerful blade of hard steel with an ergonomically designed handle to withstand the stress of chopping. It is also capable of finer jobs, such as daily cuts.

Safety

This fixed-blade knife comes with your choice of a Zytel sheath or a black dangler leather sheath. Zytel is a DuPont trademark used in items with high strength, abrasion and impact resistant sort of nylon.

Portability

By choosing he Zytel you can attach the knife to your belt or backpack. The knife is safe and secure for travel in the Zytel sheath, even upside down.

Gerber LMF II Survival Knife

[amazon box=”B000E3QUB6″]

Features

The knife's blade and tongue are well balanced; the tongue is large and bolted to the handle.

The butt of the blade is also large and very effective. It comes with a durable sheath.

Features

The Gerber LMF II offers a textured rubber grip and handle on a knife weighing three-quarters of a pound, just under 1-and-a-half pounds with the sheath.

Blade

From the moment you take it out of the box, the knife has a sharp blade. It is a heavy blade that is made from 420 steel. The 420 steel is stainless steel with higher carbon than other types. It contains at least 12 percent chromium, so it has corrosion-resistant properties.

The five-inch blade is nearly full tang.

Durability

The durable knife is about 80 percent tang, but it was built for wartime use. So, the blade is strong and durable enough for United States Special Operations in times of war.

It can easily cut through power cords and other items that might be useful to a soldier.
For practical purposes, it is a full-tang knife, but maybe closer to ⅘ tang.

Performance

The knife's high-performance blade and excellent grip make the weapon perfect for chopping wood and similar tasks. Using the Gerber LMF II is lighter than a hatchet, but can outperform a hatchet as a chopping tool.

Moreover, the base of the knife can serve as a hammer, and it also offers a glass-breaking mechanism.

Safety

The Gerber's sheath holds the knife in place well enough to be used by military parachuters. It also comes with a built-in knife sharpener.

Sometimes the sheath can grip the knife too firmly and force the user to use a firm enough grip to risk pulling too hard and cutting his hand.

Portability

The sheath comes with attachments designed for Molle straps or ALICE packs. ALICE, meaning All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment, is an equipment system adopted by the military in 1973.

Snap closures also hold the six-inch handle to the sheath for more pleasant portability. The knife is 11 inches long altogether and weighs 11.7 ounces.

Schrade SCHF9N Fixed Blade

[amazon box=”B00HOMJZJY”]

Features

The knife's blade and tongue are well balanced; the tongue is large and bolted to the handle.

The butt of the blade is also large and very effective. It comes with a durable sheath.

Features

This Schrade knife is a close relative of the Schrade SCHF9. The Schrade SCHF9N is just over a foot long with a 6.4-inch blade. It is a full tang knife with a quarter-inch blade width made of 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel. The handle is Kraton and features a lanyard hole on one end.

Blade

The 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel is a strong cutting steel. This steel retains its cutting edge for a long time and is also corrosion resistant. Stainless steel's resistance to rust and corrosion make it a great product for outdoor and wet jobs.

The drop point blade features a hollow grind for a sharp edge able to do more finesse maneuvers when chopping, slicing, or skinning prey.

Durability

The 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel is a top choice among serious outdoorsmen, and along with a high-end handle, the knife is built for durability.

Performance

The scaled handle provided excellent grip to increase the product's performance. The Schrade SCHF9N can handle almost any job with its sturdy design and razor-sharp blade.

Safety

While the fixed blade knife comes with a sheath, the sheath is not as snug as it could be. It offers a strap across the handle, but if the strap was forgotten or did not function properly, the knife would have a strong likelihood of coming out of the sheath.

A loose sheath is not a great safety measure.

Portability

Despite its shortcomings, the ballistic sheath can attach to the waist for portability. The overall length of the knife is 12.3 inches, and it weighs exactly one pound.

Spyderco Bushcraft G-10 PlainEdge Knife

[amazon box=”B004GVT2Z8″]

Features

The knife's blade and tongue are well balanced; the tongue is large and bolted to the handle.

The butt of the blade is also large and very effective. It comes with a durable sheath.

Features

This Bushcraft survival knife is inspired by traditional Bushmen and their need to understand wilderness survival. It features high-quality materials and full tang. It also utilizes a Scandinavian grind.

Blade

Offering a carbon steel blade, the Spyderco Bushcraft G-10 survival knife has a Scandinavian-inspired single bevel grind. Even with heavy use, the carbon blade will hold its edge.

The length of four inches, 3.9 inches are available for cutting. The blade is fully tanged and strong enough to cut just about anything that comes your way.

Durability

The 0-1 high carbon content tool steel is strong and sharp. If proper care is taken to avoid rust and corrosion, this Bushcraft knife should have great durability.

The handle is made of a polished G-10 material that is durable against consistent use and extreme weather. G-10 is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate.

Performance

The Bushcraft G-10 knife performs well dressing out game, and it can also chop wood, slice meat, and cut down brush. Users are consistently pleased with its performance.

Safety

The fixed-blade knife comes with a leather sheath with a right-handed design. The leather is imprinted and able to withstand all kinds of weather.

Portability

For portability, a lanyard hole is available in the handle and another lanyard hole is in the blade. At only 8.75 inches long and less than a half pound, the knife is easily portable.

KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife

[amazon box=”B001H53Q6M”]

Features

The knife's blade and tongue are well balanced; the tongue is large and bolted to the handle.

The butt of the blade is also large and very effective. It comes with a durable sheath.

Features

The KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife was designed as a military knife and was prominent during World War II. With a seven-inch blade and five-inch leather handle, an optional handle is also available in a Kraton version.
The knife if often used both as a modern convenience and a meaningful gift for military veterans.

Blade

The blade on this knife is coated in black and flat ground. It comes to a clip point.

The weapon is made from 1095 Cro-Van steel. With chromium and vanadium, the five-inch blade stands up to the elements and keeps its edge well.

A two-and-a-half-inch fuller is built into the blade's spine making the knife feel lighter. The blade is .17 inches wide.

Durability

This full tank knife has a secure steel pommel that can sustain a lot of use. Stainless steel pins secure the blade at the pommel.

The 1095 Cro-Van steel is a high carbon, heavy duty material complimenting a 100 percent leather handle option.

Performance

Tested over time from WWII through today's serious outdoorsman, the KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife is a high-performing knife for cutting, chopping, fighting, and surviving.

Safety

A 100 percent leather sheath is available when you choose the leather handle option. This keeps your blade safely covered while helping to maintain its sharpness.

A contoured crossguard protects your hand from danger.

Portability

The knife's portability can be deduced by its use with fighting marines. Overall it is just under 12 inches with a weight of 11.2 ounces.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife

[amazon box=”B00AU6H3UY”]

Features

The knife's blade and tongue are well balanced; the tongue is large and bolted to the handle.

The butt of the blade is also large and very effective. It comes with a durable sheath.

Features

The Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife was designed by Bear Grylls, a wilderness survival expert known for mountain climbing and parachuting. He also starred in a wilderness survival television program.

Produced by Gerber, Grylls styled this fixed-blade knife with 7Cr17MoV stainless steel and a 3/4 tang. It features a rubberized handle, and a fire starting with a notch to strike the and spark the fire.

Blade

The 4.8-inch drop point blade features a fine edge with a portion of serrations. The serrated section is an efficient saw, and the fine edge section cuts cleanly.

The 7Cr17MoV stainless steel blade is more than adequate for cutting through rope and small branches.

Durability

7Cr17MoV stainless steel is a best-of-both-worlds material because it is affordable but also a high-performance material. It is essentially modified stainless steel with more vanadium than other steels.

Extra vanadium gives the blade strength and wear resistance. With three-quarter tang and a long-lasting edge, the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife is a durable option.

Performance

The 7Cr17MoV stainless steel performs well as a saw and a fine cutting blade. The butt of the knife has a textured cap made for hammering, and it is more than capable of cracking nuts or driving stakes into the ground.

Also, an included whistle on the lanyard is a small but surprisingly loud tool.

Safety

The whistle is a safety feature, and the lanyard also includes a foldable guide that can be tucked into the sheath.

A separate plastic sleeve holds the blade within a nylon sheath. The tight fit keeps the knife secure, and a diamond sharpening blade is included on the back of the plastic sleeve.

Portability

A supplementary Velcro strap secures the knife handle close to the body. Overall, the knife is only 10-inches long and weighs less than a pound.

The Verdict on the Best Survival Knife

We attempted to review a wide variety of knives in order to find the best survival knife. At the end of the day, each unique outdoorsman has unique needs and preferences. The best survival knife is a subjective label.

We attempted to look at the list of knives and pinpoint one that fit a wide range of budgets and needs. We gave our nod of approval to the KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife. If it is good enough for fighting soldiers, it is good enough for us. The option between two different handles to compliment a black coated, flat ground blade of 1095 Cro-Van steel and a 100-percent leather sheath unquestionably has a place on any list of candidates for the best survival knife.

Featured Image source: pexels

What’s the Best Conceal Carry Gun? Top 10 Revealed

Featured Image via Amazon

You have the right as an American Citizen to keep and bear arms. You have the right to protect yourself and your family. But choosing the best conceal carry is an important decision.

Even though we would like it to be otherwise, the world is a dangerous place. Crime and violence happen all around us. Turn on the news and see for yourself.

The most important things in your life, your family and safety, must be protected. A concealed firearm is the perfect way to ensure you have the protection you need.

Many times, it is the lawful citizen legally carrying a firearm that rescues would-be victims and saves lives. It could be a friend, co-worker, or stranger.

Gone are the days when guys used to settle differences behind the barn with fists. Fights today involve knives and firearms. Others have lost the ability to defend themselves physically due to injuries or old age. A concealed firearm can help you repossess the defense you once had.

Different individuals have different reasons and desires for a concealed firearm. We believe this review will help you understand the variety of firearms available and what may work well for you. There is a perfect firearm for everybody.

Quick Navigation

Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™

Glock 26

SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol

SMITH & WESSON M&P9C

GLOCK - G43 HANDGUN

GLOCK - G19X G5

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - XD-S

The Sig Sauer P320 Compact

FN FNX-45

Heckler & Koch VP9S

The Verdict on the Best Conceal Carry

Comparison Table

Product Name	Image	Price
[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/home/nd-amendment-classic/nd-amend-firearms/pc/105625080/c/635005080/sc/607995180/smith-wesson-m-p-shield-m-cf-pistols/2650428.uts?slotId=1&avad=194130_d15c71741&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” title=”Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™“]		[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/home/nd-amendment-classic/nd-amend-firearms/pc/105625080/c/635005080/sc/607995180/smith-wesson-m-p-shield-m-cf-pistols/2650428.uts?slotId=1&avad=194130_d15c71741&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” button_text=”Check Price”]
[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g26-g5-9mm-3-46-10-1-prod114375.aspx?avs\|Make~~Model_1=Glock__26&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbwfP1A4Wk0″ title=”Glock 26“]		[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g26-g5-9mm-3-46-10-1-prod114375.aspx?avs\|Make~~Model_1=Glock__26&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbwfP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]
[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/SIG-SAUER-P-CF-PISTOLS/2730718.uts?slotId=0&avad=194130_c15c93455&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” title=”SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol“]		[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/SIG-SAUER-P-CF-PISTOLS/2730718.uts?slotId=0&avad=194130_c15c93455&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” button_text=”Check Price”]
[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/m-p9c-handgun-9mm-3-5in-12-1-10191-prod92553.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbSHP1A4Wk0″ title=”SMITH & WESSON M&P9C“]		[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/m-p9c-handgun-9mm-3-5in-12-1-10191-prod92553.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbSHP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]
[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g43-handgun-9mm-w-2-6-round-magazines-prod84679.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” title=”GLOCK – G43 HANDGUN“]		[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g43-handgun-9mm-w-2-6-round-magazines-prod84679.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” button_text=”Check Price”]
[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g19x-g5-9mm-4-coyote-17-1-night-sight-prod114372.aspx?avs\|Make~~Model_1=Glock__19&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CYT%3AP1A4Wk0″ title=”GLOCK – G19X G5“]		[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g19x-g5-9mm-4-coyote-17-1-night-sight-prod114372.aspx?avs\|Make~~Model_1=Glock__19&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CYT%3AP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]
[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/12516/Springfield+XDs+9mm+3.3+ESSENTIAL+Black” title=”SPRINGFIELD ARMORY – XD-S“]		[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/12516/Springfield+XDs+9mm+3.3+ESSENTIAL+Black” button_text=”Check Price”]
[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/xd-s-essentials-package-3-3in-9mm-stainless-8-1rd-prod92636.aspx?avs\|Price_1=300xzzx00%20TO%20799xzzx99&avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” title=”The Sig Sauer P320 Compact“]		[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/xd-s-essentials-package-3-3in-9mm-stainless-8-1rd-prod92636.aspx?avs\|Price_1=300xzzx00%20TO%20799xzzx99&avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” button_text=”Check Price”]
[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/fnx-45-4in-45-acp-black-stainless-10-1rd-prod90071.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” title=”FN FNX-45“]		[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/fnx-45-4in-45-acp-black-stainless-10-1rd-prod90071.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” button_text=”Check Price”]
[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/vp9sk-9mm-black-3-39-10-1-2-10-round-magazines-prod107989.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CfXOP1A4Wk0″ title=”Heckler & Koch VP9S“]		[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/vp9sk-9mm-black-3-39-10-1-2-10-round-magazines-prod107989.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CfXOP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]

Product FAQ

1. What Is Concealability?

2. What Is Capacity?

3. What Is Stippling?

4. How Big Should a Conceal Carry Gun Be?

5. Where Should I Carry My Concealed Weapon?

How We Reviewed

We reviewed a variety of the best conceal carry guns based on their features, pros and cons, availability, and price. We also took a look at factors such as the gun's portability, ease of use, weight, and stopping power.

We know there are a variety of guns that serve different needs, and there is an equally large number of gun buyers with different preferences and needs. Understanding the differences between common options can help you get the most out of the following review.

Guns come in a variety of styles and options, and best conceal carry for one individual may be different than for another person. Guns can accomplish many purposes, including self-defense, but the gun you use to defend your home and family may be very different than the gun you choose to keep on your person.

The size and body type of the individual lends itself to personal gun choices along with countless other factors. It can be beneficial to choose a go-to gun for conceal carry in order to familiar and comfortable with it.

There are some standard options a person needs to understand if he or she is going to make the best possible choice.

Revolvers

While pistols dominate the world of concealed carries today, revolvers are one of the most traditional guns. They feature a barrel-like cylinder that revolves in order to line individual bullets with the barrel.

Image via Pixabay

Single-action revolvers are old-fashion revolvers that require a manual cock with each shot. They can still be purchased today, but they are more nostalgic than practical.

Because of the extra time and effort between shots, they are not a legitimate choice among the best conceal carry weapons.

Modern revolvers are double-action guns. When you shoot a double-action revolver, the trigger cocks and releases the hammer in the same pull.

Double-action revolvers are much easier to use than single-action, and a more common choice for conceal carry needs.

Revolver Perks

Many people choose a revolver as the best conceal carry option because of its ease of use and simplicity. The cylinder is easy to open for clear vision of the individual cartridge chambers.

When you insert cartridges in the chamber and close the barrel, you are ready to fire. Unloading it merely requires you to open the cylinder, tip the barrel upward and press the extractor in the front.

Loading and unloading a revolver takes no unusual strength or strategy. The simplicity carries over to shooting as well. In the event of a cartridge misfunction, a second squeeze of the trigger simply rotates the cylinder to align the next cartridge.

Another perk of the revolver is its individual bullet chambers. Because each cartridge has its own chamber, the shape of the ammunition can vary more than other weapons.

Because the cartridges are sized for width, most revolvers can utilize smaller-caliber cartridges with the same diameter. Common conceal carry revolvers use .357 Mag. and .38 Special chambers. The Magnum is a longer bullet and more powerful, but both are compatible because they have the same diameter.

The golden rule in this situation is that shorter cartridges can be loaded into guns with longer chambers, but longer cartridges cannot be loaded into guns intended for shorter cartridges.

Other perks include the revolver's resistance to jamming and the ability to fire a revolver through clothing. They are easier to clean than some other options and do not need to be disassembled.

When the barrel of a revolver is pressed directly against an attacker, it is not hindered by the pressure.

Revolver Grips

Revolvers offer a wide variety of grip choices. Most revolver grips cover a metal frame, and you can choose different grips to fit around the metal frame of your gun.

Small grips can be easier to conceal, but large grips can be easier to access and shoot. Grips can also be customized for your hand size and personal preferences.

Revolver Disadvantages

A primary disadvantage to revolvers is the limited capacity. The most common barrels are six-shooters, and some revolvers that are smaller and good for conceal carry only have five rounds.

You can purchase eight-shooters, but they are usually too large to serve as the best conceal carry weapons.

When you run out of ammunition, it can be time-consuming to reload a revolver. You have to eject the spent cartridges, reload new ammunition in each cylinder, and close the barrel again.

While a speed loader can make the process faster, it is still an overall disadvantage. Another disadvantage of the revolver's cylinder is the width. Some barrels are wide enough to make concealing difficult.

While the lack of a safety on double-action revolvers, it can be a perk to shoot without worrying about an additional step, but for some the lack of a safety option is a danger.

Pistols

Modern pistols are usually semi-automatic weapons with many different features. A magazine is housed inside the gun's grip. The magazine holds cartridges, and the capacity of the magazine varies depending on its size and other factors.

pistol gun and bullets placed in a table

Image via Pixabay

A pistol is operated by a slide that engages the gun. Within the slide is a single barrel that holds one bullet at a time.

The shooter loads his rounds into the magazine and inserts the magazine into the pistol until it clicks into place. By pulling back on the slide, the first round is chambered.

The gun is now ready to fire. When the first round is fired, the first cartridge is expelled, and the second cartridge is automatically chambered. You can fire repeatedly until the magazine is empty.

Pistol Perks

The first and primary perk of pistols is its ability to fire repeatedly. It is not uncommon for a pistol to accommodate 17 rounds. It is also easy to keep extra, fully loaded magazines nearby.

Pistols are also flat and sleek, making them easier to conceal than many revolvers. The slide on a pistol is also more resistant to recoil than a revolver, and many have a safety mechanism.

This is beneficial due to another pistol perk, a light trigger squeeze. The squeeze is light, and the trigger pull is short. Pistols also have a short reset, meaning the trigger does not have to return all the way forward before it can be fired again.

Firepower is the recurring theme that differentiates the pistol from the revolver. Pistols can shoot faster and more often than revolvers.

They also have safety perks, such as hammer drop safety. Many pistols have internal mechanisms to prevent the gun from firing if it is accidentally dropped.

Pistol Grips

While you can buy pistol grip accessories and replacements, the variety of grips is less than revolvers. The grip on a pistol is important not only for shooting but also for manipulating the slide.

For shooters with less strength or hand grip in general, it is important to have a firm grasp of the weapon when pulling the slide.

Pistol Disadvantages

Unlike the revolver that excelled in simplicity and ease of use, beginners often find pistols difficult to master. There is no uniformity among pistols, and one pistol can vary greatly from another.

Magazine releases, safeties, and other functions can be activated differently and found in different locations on different guns. Disassembly and cleaning also vary widely between guns.

Pistols offer less ability to interchange ammunition, and they are more susceptible to jams. Some pistols even lend themselves to accidentally hitting the magazine release and being left with only one cartridge in the chamber and no magazine in the handle.

Caliber

A gun's caliber is the diameter of the barrel. The bullet size matches the barrel. For instance, a gun is labeled as “9x19” then the diameter of the bullets used in the gun is 9mm and the length of the bullets is 19mm.

Image via Pixabay

However, caliber is not always measured in metric units. The same caliber could be measured as .223 inch or 5.56 mm.

Another common mistake is based on relative measurements and what seems like an insignificant difference. For instance, how much difference could there be between 9 mm and 10 mm? Could a 9 mm bullet not travel through a 10 mm barrel?

But the truth is guns are precision instruments. Every millimeter counts. Even fractions of a millimeter count.

Pistol Caliber

Some pistol calibers are common, and others have recurring spots on our list. The 9 mm is very common, called a 9x19mm Luger or 9x19mm Parabellum.

The 9 mm has always been used by a lot of military outfits, and recently the FBI switched all agents to 9mm firearms.

It also has benefits to newer gun users, including minimal kickback. It is powerful enough to stop any attacker.

Overall Price Range

The guns we reviewed ranged in price from under $400 to around $750. A buyer's budget can be affected by a number of items, including specific needs or preferences he or she has in a gun. Some may prefer a specific type of steel or simply be averse to polymers. Others may want a certain size or grip style.

Ultimately the value of the gun is determined by how desirable it is, and what is desirable for you may be different than what another person desires.

As you peruse our list of the best conceal carry guns, remember that you are looking for a gun you can carry every day, if need be. You should desire a gun that you are comfortable using and, more importantly, that you are confident using. Do not let somebody talk you into something you don't want, because you will likely spend too much money on something you are not comfortable using.

Finally, remember that a conceal carry is not a showpiece. Your gun is not to impress others; it is meant to protect yourself. So as you investigate our list of the best conceal carry guns, find the ones that you could carry every day with confidence to establish a range of what you will likely need to invest.

What We Reviewed

Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™
GLOCK 26
SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol
SMITH & WESSON M&P9C
GLOCK - G43 HANDGUN
GLOCK - G19X G5
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - XD-S
The Sig Sauer P320 Compact
FN FNX-45
Heckler & Koch VP9S

Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™

Image via Cabelas

Features

Smith & Wesson makes the M&P Shield M2.0 with two barrel lengths to choose from, including 4-inch and 3.6-inch versions. The shorter barrel offers more concealability, but the longer barrel offers more accuracy.

The 4-inch barrel also comes with less muzzle flip. The gun is made of a durable polymer frame with black, corrosion-resistant coating on stainless steel sides and barrel.

Portability
Ease of Use
Weight
Stopping Power

The Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™ is slim and easily concealed for portability. Made of a lightweight polymer and stainless steel, it boasts a one-inch profile.

Pros

The quality is outstanding.
Multiple barrel lengths.
Good stippling.
Comfortable ergonomics.

Cons

Lack of texturing on the forward frame for the support-hand thumb.

Where to Buy

Glock 26

Image via Brownells

Features

The Glock 26 is a 9mm pistol with 3.43-inch barrel a 10+1 capacity. The Glock 26 has been a favorite among concealed carries for several years, the upgrades to the fifth generation model are bound to make it a favorite for years to come.

Portability
Ease of Use
Weight
Stopping Power

The Glock 26 is slightly thicker than its relative, the Glock 43X, but it makes up for it with a shorter height. It is one of the shortest 9mm on the market, making it very portable.

Pros

10+1 capacity.
Upgrades from Glock 26 Gen 4.
Short 9 mm is concealable.

Cons

Thicker than some similar guns.

Where to Buy

SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol

Image via Cabelas

Features

The SIG Sauer P365 pistol features an abundance of capacity, concealability and versatility in a conceal carry weapon. It was selected by the NRA's Shooting Illustrated Magazine as their Golden Bullseye winner for 2019 Handgun of the Year.

This 9mm Luger has a micro-compact frame made of stainless steel with a polymer grip. a 10-round flush fit magazine, and a 10-round extended magazine.

Portability
Ease of Use
Weight
Stopping Power

The SIG P365 is truly a tiny gun. It's micro-compact carry size makes it nearly effortless to take with you. Micro-compact everyday carry size with unprecedented 10+1 full-size capacity.

Pros

Tiny but without compromise.
10-round magazine and other magazine options.
Positive feedback on the trigger and handle.

Cons

Double-feeds have been reported where the fired case fails to be fully extracted.

Where to Buy

SMITH & WESSON M&P9C

Image via Brownells

Features

The Smith & Wesson M&P9C comes with two magazines, one flush fitting and another with a finger extension. The magazines hold 12 rounds.

There is no safety on the 9C unless you special order that option, so those who want as few steps as possible will see that as a perk.
The 9mm gun has a 3.5-inch barrel length.

Portability
Ease of Use
Weight
Stopping Power

The weapon features a stainless-steel slide and barrel along with a polymer frame. This weapon is smaller than the Glock 19 but maintains a double stacked design.

Many still prefer single stacked guns for conceal carry, so this may be too fat for some buyers.

Pros

No safety switch.

Cons

The shorter barrel leads to recoil.

Where to Buy

GLOCK - G43 HANDGUN

Image via Brownells

Features

The Glock – G43 handgun combines a lightweight frame with reliability to offer a true fighting caliber conceal carry.

This striker-fired, polymer-frame semi-auto is as small as they come yet offers full 9mm power. It is small enough to carry in most reasonable fashions but large enough that it fits comfortably in the hands of most shooters.

Portability
Ease of Use
Weight
Stopping Power

The small, thin nature of the gun can be carried in a pants pocket, yet it is also perfectly fitted for a belt holster. Pocket carries are not the most comfortable or safe.

It would be hard to find a more portable gun on our list.

Pros

Small but still powerful.
Fits most shooter's hands.
Reliable and portable.

Cons

Limited 6+1 capacity.
The trigger pull is heavier than other Glocks.

Where to Buy

GLOCK - G19X G5

Image via Brownells

Features

This Glock features a “crossover” design as the result of a military contract. It is an all-purpose gun that combine a full-size frame with a mid-size slide.

It sports a Marksman Barrel that is hammer-forged with a hexagonal rifling and improved crown from previous Glock designs.
The gun is just over four inches long and 5.47 inches in height. It includes a set of magazines with a 17+2 round extension.

Portability
Ease of Use
Weight
Stopping Power

This gun is meant to be carried in a duty holster, but common users want to have it with them as a conceal carry weapon. The frame is a bit bulky to carry with total concealment, and a unique grip angle complicates the matter.

If you use the 17+2 extension magazine, it is nearly hopeless to fully conceal the G19X.

Pros

Marksman Barrell.
Improved Crown.

Cons

Seven-pound trigger press may be difficult for some shooters.

Where to Buy

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - XD-S

Image via BudsGunShop

Features

The Springfield Armory XD-S is a thin, single-stack subcompact pistol. It is an extremely small gun that maintains the 9mm chambering and can be carried in almost any situation.

The XD-S is one of the best guns in the subcompact category. It measures 6.3 inches and stands 4.4 inches tall with a 3.3-inch barrel. It offers black or stainless-steel slides.

Portability
Ease of Use
Weight
Stopping Power

The grip is short, even for a subcompact, helping the gun's concealability. A 9+1 magazine is compatible, but you will lose your full concealability.

The ergonomics allow for a good grip and draw when being carried on your person. It is just a bit too big to carry as a pocket pistol for most folks.

Pros

Iron sights and minimal recoil.
Accurate and easy to shoot.
7+1 capacity for a single-stack gun.

Cons

Doesn't handle triple Homady Critical Duty polymer-tipped ammunition well.

Where to Buy

The Sig Sauer P320 Compact

Image via Brownells

Features

The P320 Compact pistol is a polymer weapon with a pleasing appearance. The ergonomics of this gun fit a wide variety of hands by offering three different grip sizes. You can choose the one that is best for your hands.

Portability
Ease of Use
Weight
Stopping Power

The overall height of the gun, including the inserted magazine, is 5.27 inches. The length is 7.21 inches.

The gun is readily portable, though full concealment would be difficult on many body types.

Pros

Pleasing aesthetics.
Multiple grip sizes.

Cons

Some buyers avoid polymer components.

Where to Buy

FN FNX-45

Image via Brownells

Features

With the power of a full-size pistol in a slim body, this lightweight weapon is about the size of your hand and holds 15+1 rounds of 45. It is reliable and durable.

It has been used for law enforcement applications and is equally suitable for personal defense. With a stainless-steel barrel and slide, it is a top contender on the list of best conceal carry weapons.

Portability
Ease of Use
Weight
Stopping Power

By conceal carry standards, this is a big gun. It holds 15+1 in 45, and it favors shooters with big hands.

If you do not like big guns or are specifically shopping for a small, concealable gun, this may not be what you're looking for. however, if you want to tote a medium-sized beast, it could be right up your alley.

Pros

Checkered polymer grip.
Loaded-chamber indicator on the external extractor.

Cons

Some users report difficulty using the trigger.

Where to Buy

Heckler & Koch VP9S

Image via Brownells

Features

Heckler & Koch offer this VP9S pistol with a polymer frame. It is striker fired from a 9 mm chamber.

Portability
Ease of Use
Weight
Stopping Power

The most positive reviews are from users who belt carry the VP9S. Some are able to carry the gun in a fully concealed manner, but for many users is too long.

The gun has a 4-inch barrel and total length of 7.32 inches.

Pros

Good balance of power and performance.
Light trigger with short reset.

Cons

The size is in a gray area where some may conceal it and others not.

Where to Buy

The Verdict on the Best Conceal Carry

Choosing the best conceal carry weapon is difficult task because there as so many variables among both guns and shooters. Guns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and people do too.

A gun that could be concealed on one individual may not be concealable on another. A gun that is light enough for one shooter may not be light enough for another.

We wanted to give our nod of approval to a weapon that efficient and usable for a wide variety of buyers, and one that was simple enough for pros and newbies alike. We opted for the Glock – G43.

Glock G-43

The Glock G-43 gets our nod for the best conceal carry. This compact 9 mm is designed with conceal carry in mind. It combines a single-stack magazine that gives it a thin build alongside stopping power on par with larger weapons.

[amazon box=”B00WRICTHU”]

Glock has a reputation for that is esteemed by military and the public alike. They make some of the best combat pistols for all purposes, including some that have landed police and military contracts. The Glock G-43 is on par with the best of them all.

The semiautomatic gun has a polymer frame manufactured in Austria and imported to it Georgia location in the United States. Just under 18 ounces with unloaded magazine, the gun six-and-a-quarter inches long and four-and-a-quarter inches tall.

It is about an inch wide with a narrow steel slide. It sports the familiar square-shaped black finish common among Glocks. It is a square-nose slide and a 3.39-inch barrel with hexagonal rifling.

Using the Glock–G43

Test the Glock–G43 and you'll find it to be a very well balanced. It is accurate and controllable for a small gun, and the grip is comfortable to hold.

The magazines lock easily into place, and a variety of ammunition, from low-end to high-end, can be used without any malfunctions. Bullets weighing less than 115 grs. had the least recoil.

The accuracy of the small gun is reassuring for concealed carriers. It is as accurate as many larger guns. This gun is a semi-automatic with a narrow 9 mm barrel that lives up to Glock's storied tradition. In a search for the best conceal carry weapon, it does not disappoint.

Clip vs. Magazine: What is the Difference?

If you are a gun owner, you know the importance of public perception in our politically charged culture. When gun enthusiasts consistently use the wrong terms to describe guns and ammunition, it can negatively affect the public's understanding of guns. One such common misunderstanding is clip vs magazine.

Aside from others' perspectives, we should have a desire as gun advocates to understand the weapons we speak about. We not only make ourselves look bad when using the wrong terms, but we feed misinformation to those around us.

The NRA Firearms Sourcebook is a great place to seek for answers to your terminology questions, but we tip our hats to you for taking the time to read this article and ensure clarity on the terminology of clip vs magazine.

Quick Navigation

Why It Pays to Get Terminology Right

Clip vs Magazine: What's the Difference?

Understanding Clips

Understanding Magazines

Conclusion on Clip vs Magazine

Why It Pays to Get Terminology Right

Image Source: Unsplash

On an episode of the famous sitcom Cheers, Sam and the guys took Dr. Frasier Crane on a snipe hunt. Frasier was depressed, and the guys did not want him ruining their fishing trip, so they offered to take him hunting for snipe.

Unfortunately, they never defined the term. What is a snipe? Frasier ended up holding a gunny sack waiting to scoop an animal that did not exist. There is no such thing as a snipe.

Some folks talk about clips that simply do not exist on a particular semi-automatic pistol, and they either do not know better or simply find it unimportant. The guys clearly did not take Frasier seriously when he was left in the woods holding a snipe sack.

Likewise, firearm dealers, gun enthusiasts, and even friends are not going to take you seriously or find you at all credible. It can also lead to a lot of general confusion in conversations when you speak about a clip and your listener is picturing a magazine and wondering why the discussion makes no sense.

Understanding the difference in the clip vs magazine arena will increase your credibility among gun peers and save you from embarrassing situations. It will also ensure you are describing exactly what you intend to describe.

Clip vs Magazine: What's the Difference?

A magazine is part of a gun that holds the ammunition as it is fed to the chamber of the firearm. A clip holds the ammunition together within the magazine or as it is being fed directly into a gun.

In simple terms, you might say the clip prepares the ammunition for the magazine, and the magazine prepares the ammunition for the gun chamber. Yet within that simple example, there are many types of clips and magazines.

Understanding Clips

An ammunition clip is a device used to store individual rounds of ammunition as a single unit. A clip is inserted into the magazine of a gun or fed directly into other types of guns.

Once the clip is loaded into the magazine, the ammo can be fed individually into the firing chamber. Some who understand this concept make a separate mistake by confusing clips with ammo belts. A slightly dated pop culture example would be when John Rambo, played by Sylvester Stallone, had multiple ammo belts draped over his shoulders as he fired his automatic weapon.

Ammo belts are not clips. A better example of clips would be a nail gun. The strips of nails come connected by a wire or similar structure that can be fed into the nail gun. This is analogous to a clip.

Ammo Belts

Stripper Clips

En Bloc Clips

Moon Clips

Understanding Magazines

Image Via flickr

With the prevalence of modern pistols, clips are becoming less common.

Modern pistols are usually semi-automatic weapons with many features. A magazine is housed inside the gun's grip. The magazine holds cartridges, and the capacity of the magazine varies depending on its size and other factors.

A pistol is operated by a slide that engages the gun. Within the slide is a single barrel that holds one bullet at a time.

The shooter loads his rounds into the magazine and insert the magazine into the pistol until it clicks into place. By pulling back on the slide, the first round is chambered.

The gun is now ready to fire. When the first round is fired, the first cartridge is expelled, and the second cartridge is automatically chambered. You can fire repeatedly until the magazine is empty.

Like many of the Korean War rifles, some magazines are internal. Others, like many handguns, are detachable.

Box Magazines

Tubular Magazines

STANAG Magazines

Conclusion on Clip vs Magazine

Image Via flickr

If you want to have a meaningful conversation about guns and ammunition, take the time to identify your terms. This includes using the proper term and often ensuring that your audience understands the terms you're using, such as clip vs magazine.

If you use the wrong terms, you can confuse an uninformed audience. If you use the correct terms, they may still be misunderstood by an uninformed audience. So be sure to use the correct terms, and when needed, be sure your listeners agree on their meaning.

Most importantly, if you do not know what something means, ask! You probably do not need to be told that, because you have taken the time read this article and help your understanding of clip vs magazine.

Finally, be sure to ask questions as a listener. You can afford a speaker the utmost respect and still humbly seek clarification to be sure you are talking about the same thing. If you want to have a meaningful conversation on guns, it is the only place to start.

How Much Ammo Can I Legally Own?

If you are a gun owner, then you also most likely own some ammo. Some people might tell you that you have too much on hand. Well, is there a thing such as too much? Are there laws regulating how much ammo you can own? Well, read on, and we will answer the question for you of how much ammo you can legally own and also how to go about finding out more information about the subject.

How much can you own?

Well, getting right into the question of how much ammo can you legally own we have to be honest upfront and say that it depends. Some countries have tighter restrictions than other countries. For your particular situation, you will have to look up information based on your country. Going by the country though may not even give you a straight answer.

That is because if you live in a country with different regions or states, then the rules might be made up by them. This is the case in the United States. Each state has its own regulations on how much ammo you can own. If you are using .22LR ammo, let’s go with best .22lr scope, it will help you have a good experience.

Where to look?

For finding information, it might be hard to find it sometimes. You can start with an internet search to see if your state has ammo regulations posted. A lot of states there is no limit on how much ammo you can own, but for some states there are.

With the ammo rule, it can even go down to the county or city to make the rule. If you can’t find information online pertaining to how much ammo you can own, then you will have to contact your local government.

One of the best people you can contact to find out possible rules in your local fire department or fire marshal. That is because one of the main concerns of having a lot of ammo stockpiled is it being a fire hazard. This is why in a lot of areas the fire marshal makes the rules.

How to store

Sometimes the rules of how much ammo you can own varies based on how it is stored. This is because if you store it away safely it is less of a fire hazard and you can have more ammo on hand. The best way to store your ammunition is in a locked fireproof cabinet.

This way if a fire happens the rounds will not go off. Also, by keeping it locked you will keep other people out of it which is important. Your guns should also be stored away in a locked and safe place.

Other Restrictions

Some areas may not have limits on how much ammo you can own, but they might have restrictions on other parts of gun rounds. If you make your own rounds or reload your bullets, then these restrictions might affect you. Some areas restrict how much black powder or propellants you can have on hand. Again, this is because they can be fire hazards and they want to keep the neighborhood safe.

If you have black powder or propellants, then you will need to look into the thing and make sure that there are not any laws limiting the amount of those that you can own. Again, the best place to find information is to check your state’s website and city website. Then contact the fire marshal or another government official for more information.

Ways around.

If your state or local area does have rules on how much ammo you can own, but you don’t want to get rid of your ammo, then there are normally ways around it. A lot of areas with ammo restrictions offer to license that you can get to own more ammo. The licensing costs a little money and sometimes they might have you take a class or make sure you are storing the ammo right, but they normally aren’t hard to get.

Once you have the license, you can own as much ammo as you want. Having an extra license for ammo is just like needing a license to own a gun in the first place. It isn’t a big deal to get, but the extra step helps the area now who has a lot of ammo on hand.

Conclusion

Ammo regulations vary by area, so there is no straight answer to how much ammo you can legally own. Different countries have their own rules, and you will have to look it up based on your country. Sometimes this won’t even give you a straight answer, and you will have to go more narrow by looking at your state, county, and city laws. A lot of places in the United States don’t care how much ammo you own, but you should store it safely in a locked fireproof case.

The best way to find out if your area does care though is to check online and then also to talk to your local fire marshal or another county official. The concern for large amounts of ammo is a fire hazard, so that is why the fire marshal is good to talk too. After reading this, you are now on your way to being able to find out how much ammo you can own in your area based on your local laws. You know the places to look, the steps to take, and also that you need to ask about propellents as well because there are different rules for them than ammo if you have them on hand.

Sources

https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/How_much_ammo_can_one_legally_own_/5-840891/

https://www.ingunowners.com/forums/general-firearms-discussion/72685-state-regulations-how-much-ammo-private-individual-can-own.html

https://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ruger-mini-14-mini-30/62552-how-many-ammo-rounds-can-you-legally-store-home.html

https://rugerforum.net/ammo-dump/97920-how-much-ammo-can-you-legally-own.html

4 Things You Need to Know When Buying a Used Gun

Getting guns both new and used is a viable way to buy them. There are benefits to both methods and neither one is wrong.

Some people may be scared to buy a used gun. There is more risk when buying a used gun, but if you follow the advice given in this article, then you can get some great deals.

We will cover some tips that you should follow when buying a used gun. After reading this you will be able to buy a used gun without any issues.

1. Buy from the right place.

The first tip to follow when buying used guns is to buy from the right place.

There are four main ways you can buy guns these days. The internet, from a gun shop, at a gun show, and from an individual in person. All these methods have their benefits and disadvantages none are wrong, but some require more caution than others.

Internet

We will start with buying used guns online. The great thing about buying online is that you have a very large selection to choose from. You can buy from coast to coast and this large selection can allow you to get some great deals.

Buying online though you need to make sure you are buying from a reputable place. If it is a dealer’s website, you can trust that the gun is not dirty, but if you are just buying on a random site, then you need to do your research on the gun and its numbers. Check the numbers is an important step for a few of the methods of buying.

Another good thing about buying online, is you can determine the value of a gun pretty quickly. You can look for similar ones that sold and see what they brought. This way you can know if you are getting a good deal or not.

You got to be careful with the ones way below market though because ones that may seem like a deal might not be. This is because online you can’t see the condition of the gun. You just have to go by the pictures and they won’t always tell everything.

Also, buying online you can’t get a feel for the gun. Online is still a great way to research guns and learn values to help when buying in other methods.

You also can buy the best scope for AR-15 on the internet, and on Amazon too.

From a gun shop or gun show.

I will lump these two together because they are similar.

The downside to buying from a shop or show is you will most likely pay full market value.

The benefit that you get from this though is that you can check the gun’s condition in hand.

This is very important. Also, a lot of shops will let you fire the gun first to see how it feels, and if you like it.

Buying from a show or shop is a great way for a beginner to get into buying a new gun because you can check it out and most of the time the person selling it will be reputable. They should also be licensed to sell used guns which means you won’t have to worry about getting ones that have been used in crimes.

Person to Person

The last method we will talk about for buying guns is person to person.

This comes with the most risk for getting a gun that has been used for illegal activities, so be sure to check the serial numbers in databases and make sure it is registered to the person you are buying it from. You can follow How To Check If A Gun Is Stolen to know more specific.

The good thing about buying from an individual though is that you can see the gun in person and exam the condition, but you still may be able to get a good deal like the online prices. The seller may not know the full value or have a way to get the full value for the gun and will take less than it is worth. If you know the value you can get a great deal on a gun that you have been wanting or resell it to make some extra money.

2. Condition

The next thing to consider when buying a used gun besides where you are buying it is the condition of the gun. This has already been mentioned, but the condition is key. The condition is a big part of its value, and a gun that can fire safely is worth a lot more than a gun that won’t fire. When checking the condition you want to exam all parts of the gun.

Key things to look for when checking a gun for its condition are cracks and rust. You don’t want the moving parts to be rusty and you don’t want the barrel or other parts to be cracked. If you are on a budget, then a gripe that is cracked or rusty screws may be okay to you, but you want to make sure to give the gun a good look over. You also, want to make sure the end of the gun is round where the bullet comes out and that the barrel is straight and not dented up.

Tied into the condition is if the gun fires or not. Try to buy a used gun that you are able to fire first. By firing the gun you can make sure that it is working properly and that nothing unexpected happens. Most good shops will let you fire the gun and most people selling a used gun will know that the person looking at it will want to fire it.

Also, one last thing when examining the guns is if it has any aftermarket parts installed make sure that they are installed correctly. If they are not installed correctly fix this before firing and also remember that because it means they might not have the rest of the gun put back together properly.

3. Ask Questions

The next thing to do is ask as many questions as you want. Ask the history of the gun, why they are selling it, and anything else that will help you with making a good decision. By asking questions you can figure out if the seller is for real and also learn any problems that they know about. If you are considering meeting someone from an online place, then starting with questions can help you determine if you want to meet or not to look at the gun.

Also, when asking questions it is good to learn if the gun has a warranty or return policy. If it does, then that will help give you some peace of mind if something goes wrong. This is especially helpful if you are buying sight unseen from somewhere online.

4. Reviews

The last thing to consider when buying a used gun is the reviews of it. Do a fast online search and see if others like it. You can also do a search on the person you are buying it from to see if they have a good reputation. Reviews aren’t everything though. If you think you will like the gun, then even if most don’t, you should still buy it if it is what you want.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you should now be able to buy a used gun and come out with a good one. Sometimes the only way you can get a certain gun is used, so by being scared to buy a used gun it may limit you from getting the gun of your dreams. Just be sure to consider where you are buying the used gun from and do your research. Exam the gun well if you can and ask as many questions as you need to to make yourself comfortable with the purchase. Buying a used gun can be scary, but it can allow you to get some great deals.

How to Choose the Right Bullet Weight for Your Weapon!

When it comes to guns, there are all kinds of different bullets or rounds on the market. The rounds can differ from the size in mm, to how much charge the round has, to the weight of the round.

In this article, we will look at the later and talk about how to pick the right bullet weight for your purposes.

The key when it comes to bullet weight is picking the one that suits your purposes

After reading this article you will have a better understanding of finding the right weight bullet for the job that you are using the bullet for.

How is bullet weight measured?

Before we can get into the specifics of bullet weight, we first must consider how bullet weight is measured.

Bullet weight is measured with a term called grains. One pound is equal to 7000 thousand grains. This unit comes from back in the day when they used crops to compare measurements and is equivalent to a single grain of wheat or barley, hence the name grain. An ounce is equal to 437.5 grains to give you an idea with that scale.

One confusion when it comes to bullet weight comes about because the powder charge is also measured in grains, but this number has nothing to do with the weight of the bullet.

Different powders can have different weight even if it is the same number of grains, so when choosing bullet weight, you want to make sure you are looking at the correct number.

Luckily most manufacturers don’t put the weight of the charge on the box, so if you are reading the box trying to find the weight of the rounds, it is most likely the bullet weight.

Weight options.

There are all kinds of different bullet weight options for each size of the round.

Normally the size of the round is given in mm, so 9mm or 10mm are handgun rounds, but they have different weights available. The common bullet weights available are 115, 124, 147 but you also might see 95, 110, or some other amount.

One thing is that different rounds have different common weights.

The bigger the round is diameter wise most likely, the heavier the round will be compared to a smaller diameter round. Also, if the weight of the round is not on the box, then you can normally find the information you need online with a fast search.

How can weights differ for the same size round?

So, you may be wondering how the same size round can have different bullet weights. Well, there are a few ways this can happen.

One, since the round is the same diameter, the heavier bullet is longer than, the lighter bullet. This may not always be the case though. Sometimes the heavier round is made with a heavier metal than the lighter round, and if that is the case, then both rounds would be the same length.

Different metals, powder, or longer rounds are the main ways that two bullets of the same size can have different weights.

What does weight effect?

So, now that you understand what bullet weight is and how it is measured, we can start getting into what it affects. The things that it affects will help you determine which weight you need for your uses. There are three main things that the bullet weight can affect. Those three things are accuracy, recoil, and penetration.

Accuracy

Accuracy is affected because lighter bullets and heavier bullets exit the barrel of the gun differently. Assuming the charge and everything inside the bullet is the same, except the weight, the heavier bullet will take a bit longer to leave the gun. This means that the gun will start to recoil a little more before the bullet is out. That means the heavier bullet will hit the target slightly higher than the lighter bullet.

The accuracy can also be affected due to the different length of the bullet, which has already been mentioned.

Recoil of the gun

The next thing that is affected by the weight of the bullet is the recoil of the gun. Recoil is when the end of the gun goes up after you fire and the gun kicks back some into your shoulder if it is a rifle or into your hand if it is a handgun. Most of the time a heavier bullet will create more recoil than a lighter bullet. This is because more force is needed behind the bullet to get it going. This isn’t always the case though. Some light bullets have a lot of charge in them, and they may produce just as much recoil as a heavy round.

Penetration and tied into

The last thing that is affected by bullet weight is penetration and tied into that is expansion. Penetration is how deep the bullet goes into the target and expansion is how much the bullet spreads out after being fired. For self-defense, you want penetration of around 12 inches but no more than 18 inches. This way you hurt who you want and not others around. Generally the heavier the round, the more penetration it will have assumed that the heavier round and lighter round have the same charge and same metal. This is because the heavier one will have more kinetic energy.

This isn’t always the case though because if the lighter round has more charge or is made from a stronger metal, then it might penetrate deeper. Also, barrel length can affect penetration and expansion. If the barrel is too short, it may not allow the bullet to come out at full force, but if it is too long, the bullet may expand to much while in the barrel.

These are the main things bullet weight effects, but there is not a set way that bullet weight affects these things because there are so many other factors. The material the bullet is made of and the charge behind the bullet affects just as much as the bullet’s weight itself.

What round for hunting.

Now you know what bullet weight effects, we can get into the different types of weight you should use for different purposes. For hunting, you want a bullet that will penetrate and bring the animal you are hunting down. Depending on the animal the weight you will need to do that varies.

For small game, you might be able to get by with a light bullet, but for most hunting, you will most likely need at least a medium weight round. For bigger game or game with thick hides, you will need a heavy round.

Self-defense

For self-defense, you will again want a round that is going to penetrate. Humans tend to have thinner skin than most animals though, and you will be a lot closer normally, so a lighter round might work, but a medium weight round is more likely to be right.

You don’t want to heavy of a round that it over penetrates and you hurt others around. You also want a round that is more accurate than with hunting because your life depends on it.

Target shooting

Target shooting you want an accurate round that hits where you are aiming.

The round does not need to penetrate a lot because targets are thin and made to be shot. With target shooting an accurate light round is fine.

The key to picking out a good round for target shooting is finding one that is cheap.

Normally when target shooting, you are firing a lot of rounds, and you don’t need them to be expensive ones.

What bullet weight for you?

So, what bullet weight is right for you? Well, the key to finding the right bullet weight is knowing your purposes and looking for a round that will provide the things most needed for that purpose. Then, once you have a round that you think meets your requirements practice with it and make sure it works well with your gun. Some guns fire specific weights better than others.

You want to find the weight that provides the best accuracy, least recoil, and best penetration for your purpose with the gun you have. Even the same weight round from different manufacturers may fire differently from your gun. You need to go to the range and practice with different weights until you find the one right for you.

Conclusion

Now you know what bullet weight is and also what it affects. You also, have an idea of what to look for in a round depending on the purpose you have. The only way to find out if you truly have the right bullet weight is to practice with it with your gun. It is important to practice, so you know how the round will fire when you are in a situation to perform.

This means you can’t practice with a lightweight all the time target shooting and then carry a heavier weight. It won’t fire it the same. A lot of factors affect how different rounds fire and one of those is bullet weight. Now you know why it is important to understand bullet weight.

How Much is My Gun Worth? Learn How to Estimate the Value of a Gun

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